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A Gloss–word, phrase, (or syllable), is the dictionary entry for that word. It is composed typically of syllables (unless a one– word gloss), and the syllables can have different, (2 language) components. For example a babylonian word(s) in the phrase of an Akkadian language gloss. The gloss is then the transliteration into that language. It would be equivalent to the dictionary entry of that word.

The dictionary entry of the simplest word-(phrase), for example in Akkadian-(in cuneiform), may have any number of common variants, but then list next, the far more uncommon variants, or a one-of-a-kind gloss known from only one extant example; (confer page: Tamoanchan).

A written transcription of a signed language is referred to as a gloss, although it is not perfectly representative of the signed meaning. Because signed languages cannot be written in a spoken language without being translated, glossing is an attempt to capture the grammar and syntax of the signed language in a manner that can be easily committed to paper. This presents many problems, because one sign can be represented by many spoken-language words, and some spoken-language words can be signed in multiple ways, and so glossing is at best a semi-accurate method of transcription. Typically, glosses are written in all capital letters. Individuals glossing the same signed sentence may write somewhat different words, although the grammar is often the same.

There are some common methods within glossing of signed languages, which are usually taught in a curriculum about glossing, but may not be followed by everyone transcribing a signed speech. For example, there is a commonly accepted practice of writing a fingerspelled word with a pound sign in front of it: #WIKI. However, some glossers may choose to indicate the spelled word in another way, such as W-I-K-I. Some use the pound sign only for lexicalized fingerspellings, but it is often used for all lexicalized words. Other variations on glossing may attempt to communicate facial expressions, such as raised eyebrows or a quizzical look, by adding marks surrounding the text.

Valerie Sutton's SignWriting is an attempt to eliminate the problems posed by glossing by establishing a written form of signed languages.

Chinese and Runes use the term gloss. See: Anglo-Saxon Futhorc

• Transliteration
• Amarna letters
• William L. Moran

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